Delhi mayor elections stalled for 3rd time following AAP-BJP clash
The Delhi mayoral polls have been stalled once again—the third time in a month—after a ruckus was created by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councilors on Monday. Protests erupted over nominated members being allowed to vote in the election. Earlier, on January 6 and 24, too, the election was canceled, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) House was adjourned.
Why does this story matter?
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi was to elect Delhi's next mayor and deputy mayor on Monday. However, it has been two months since the municipal elections were held, and Delhi is yet to get a mayor. As per the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act of 1957, the mayor and deputy mayor are to be elected in the first session of the House following elections.
Polls called off amid ruckus by councilors
According to India.com, the ruckus in the MCD House erupted as polls were about to begin. Reportedly, BJP councilor-presiding officer Satya Sharma allegedly claimed tainted members can't vote in the election, saying, "Those facing graft charges can't vote." This infuriated AAP councilors, and they raised slogans against him. In response, BJP members chanted anti-AAP slogans, prompting the mayoral election to be canceled once more.
Delhi Municipal House begins with BJP protest
AAP-BJP faceoff stalled mayoral elections earlier too
The Delhi mayoral elections were called off earlier on January 6 and January 24, too, following clashes between councilors of both parties during the MCD House session. Both meetings saw loud protests from AAP councilors. They alleged the BJP was attempting to seize control of the MCD despite losing the polls, to which BJP members reacted sharply, causing mayhem.
Polling under tight security cover after AAP raised objections
The last session on January 24 was held under tight security as the 250-member House convened to elect the mayor, deputy mayor, and six standing committee members to avoid untoward incidents. The meeting reportedly started with the oath-taking of nominated members, after which AAP members raised "shame shame" chants, objecting to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena-nominated members being administered oaths first instead of elected councilors.
Delhi mayor selection as per this rotation
The post of Delhi's mayor rotates through five one-year terms, per rules. The first year is reserved for women, the second and third terms for candidates from open and reserved categories, respectively, and the remaining terms for open-category candidates again. This term, Delhi will see a woman mayor elected by 250 councilors, 10 MPs from Delhi, and 14 MLAs nominated by Delhi Legislative Assembly.
AAP, BJP mayor candidates in fray
For this MCD election, there are three nominees for the mayor's post. The AAP has nominated Shelly Oberoi and Ashu Thakur (backup candidate) to run against the BJP's Rekha Gupta. Oberoi is the AAP's main contender for the post. Meanwhile, the nominees for the deputy mayor's post are Aaley Mohammad Iqbal and Jalaj Kumar (backup) from the AAP and Kamal Bagri from the BJP.
AAP's historic win in 2022 MCD polls
The AAP registered a historic win in the 2022 MCD polls, which saw the party end the BJP's 15-year reign in the civic body. In the December 4 MCD polls, the AAP won 134 seats, while the saffron brigade bagged 104 wards to finish second. On the other hand, Congress bagged just nine seats in the 250-member municipal body.
